Scotland’s Children and Young People’s Commissioner, Nicola Killean, has called for radical reform in the education system, citing failures to meet the needs of children with additional support needs (ASN).
Writing for the launch of The Herald’s investigative series “Additional Support Needs in Scotland’s Schools,” Killean highlighted that despite government promises and legal frameworks, many children with ASN are being left behind.
The number of Scottish students with ASN has surged dramatically in recent years, now accounting for over a third of the school population. However, resources have not kept pace. While the number of ASN pupils has risen by 96.8%—from 131,593 in 2013 to 259,036 in 2023—the number of ASN teachers has decreased by 11.9%, dropping from 3,290 to 2,898 during the same period. This disparity has created a crisis in support services, with children’s needs unmet and long-term consequences likely to follow them into adulthood.
Long-Term Impact of Inadequate ASN Support
“By not giving children the support they need—and to which they are entitled—Scotland is letting them down,” Killean stated. “No child should face limited opportunities for work or education because they didn’t receive the supportive education they deserve.”
The ramifications of insufficient ASN provisions are evident in the stories uncovered by The Herald. Families, former students, and advocates reported fractured relationships, emotional trauma, exclusion from schools, lost jobs, and diminished career opportunities—all tied to the lack of adequate ASN support in Scotland’s schools.
ASN Reform Scotland, a group representing 5,000 parents, described mainstream ASN services as being in “meltdown.” While the government allocates £15 million annually to fund additional support staff, critics argue that this funding is insufficient. A proposed £29 million ASN plan, announced as part of the recent budget, includes training initiatives to increase the number of ASN teachers. However, questions remain about how the plan will be implemented.
Education Reform and the Role of Human Rights
Killean emphasized that the issue goes beyond academic achievement to touch on the fundamental human rights of children and young people. Scotland’s incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots law this year was a milestone, but its scope is limited to acts of the Scottish Parliament.
“The right to education is about developing children’s personality, talents, and abilities to their fullest potential—not just academic success,” Killean said. “Disabled children have the right not to face discrimination and must receive special care to support their participation in all aspects of life.”
Despite these protections, Killean argued that current efforts, including the Scottish Government’s Education (Scotland) Bill, are insufficient to address the deeper issues within the education system. She called for a “system-wide reboot” to create accessible, inclusive learning environments that prioritize every child’s unique skills and abilities.
A National Approach to Inclusive Education
Killean outlined a vision for a new national approach that involves children’s input in designing ASN provisions. Achieving this vision, she said, will require significant investment, comprehensive staff training, and increased resources. Inclusive education benefits all students, not just those with ASN, and urgent action is needed to seize this opportunity for transformative change.
“For some children, if reform does not happen urgently, they will be denied their right to an education that develops them to their fullest potential throughout their entire school experience,” Killean warned.
Government Response to ASN Crisis
A Scottish Government spokesperson acknowledged the challenges facing children with ASN and pledged to improve their educational experiences. “We are determined to enhance support for children and young people with additional needs. Our 2025/26 budget includes significant funding for ASN initiatives, building on our updated Additional Support for Learning Action Plan and Progress Report,” they said.
The government reiterated its commitment to collaborating with local authorities, which hold statutory responsibility for education, to ensure that children with ASN receive the support they need.
